Method of improving grass quality

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method of improving grass quality comprising applying an effective amount of a composition containing a phthalocyanine to the grass in the substantial absence of phosphorous acid, monoalkyl esters of phosphorous acid, or salts thereof.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.11/237,371, filed Sep. 28, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/778,433, filed Feb. 13, 2004.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to methods of improving quality of grass,particularly turfgrass, and relieving stress on grass and tocompositions suitable therefor.

Phthalocyanines are known pigments having many applications, such ascolorants for inks and coatings and even for turfgrass paints. E.g., DE2,511,077 and JP 03/221576. Copper phthalocyanine has been used, butonly in combination with certain other active ingredients, for enhancingturf quality. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,599,804 describes a method ofcombating fungi and enhancing turf quality in turfgrass by applying inspecific ratios certain phthalocyanines in combination with phosphorousacid or an alkaline earth metal salt thereof or with certain monoestersalts of phosphorous acid. U.S. Pat. No. 5,643,852 describes a method ofenhancing turf quality in turfgrass by applying in specific ratioscertain phthalocyanines in combination with (i) phosphorous acid or analkaline earth metal salt thereof or certain monoester salts ofphosphorous acid and (ii) certain ethylene bisdithiocarbamate contactfungicides. U.S. Pat. No. 5,336,661 describes a method of treatingbentgrass and enhancing turf quality by applying in specific ratios (i)certain monoester salts of phosphorous acid and (ii) a metallic ethylenebisdithiocarbamate contact fungicide. This patent also describes aspecific composition containing a combination of aluminumtris(O-ethylphosphonate) (fosetyl-al) and a manganese-zinc ethylenebisdithiocarbamate complex (mancozeb) used in a form (i.e., FOREfungicide) believed to have contained an unknown amount of thephthalocyanine compound Pigment Blue 15.

It has now unexpectedly been found that the quality of grass, includingturfgrass, can be improved by applying certain phthalocyanines in thesubstantial absence of the additional components mentioned above and atapplication rates that are lower than those typically used for coloringturfgrass.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a method of improving grass qualitycomprising applying an effective amount of a composition containing aphthalocyanine to the grass, with the proviso that the composition doesnot include an effective amount of phosphorous acid or a salt thereof orof monoalkyl esters of phosphorous acid or salts thereof and preferablyalso does not include metallic ethylene bisdithiocarbamate contactfungicides or other fungicides.

The present invention further provides a composition for improving grassconsisting essentially of an effective amount of a grass-improvingamount of a phthalocyanine, at least one dispersant acceptable for usewith grass, at least one carrier acceptable for use with grass, and,optionally, water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates the effect of phthalocyanine and fungicideapplications on Penncross creeping bentgrass turf quality at hightemperature treatment.

FIG. 2 illustrates the effect of phthalocyanine and fungicideapplications on net photosynthetic rate of Penncross creeping bentgrassat high temperature treatment.

FIG. 3 illustrates the effect of phthalocyanine and fungicideapplications on chlorophyll content of Penncross creeping bentgrass athigh temperature treatment.

FIG. 4 illustrates the effect of phthalocyanine and fungicideapplications on chlorophyll photochemical efficiency of Penncrosscreeping bentgrass at high temperature treatment.

FIG. 5 illustrates the effect of phthalocyanine and fungicideapplications on carotenoids content of Penncross creeping bentgrass athigh temperature treatment.

FIG. 6 illustrates the effect of phthalocyanine and fungicideapplications on shoot growth rate in height of Penncross creepingbentgrass at high temperature treatment.

FIG. 7 illustrates the effect of phthalocyanine and fungicideapplications on root and canopy shoot biomass of Penncross creepingbentgrass at high temperature treatment.

FIG. 8 illustrates the effect of phthalocyanine and fungicideapplications on root mortality of Penncross creeping bentgrass at hightemperature treatment.

FIG. 9 illustrates the effect of phthalocyanine and fungicideapplication on tiller density of Penncross creeping bentgrass at hightemperature treatment. In the figures the term “Pigment” refers toPigment Green 7.

FIG. 10 illustrates the effect of phthalocyanine application onPenncross creeping bentgrass color.

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the effect of phthalocyanine and fungicideapplications on the color of Penncross creeping bentgrass.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Suitable phthalocyanines for use according to the invention includemetal-free phthalocyanines or metal-containing phthalocyanines. Themetals of metal-containing phthalocyanines are typically transitionmetals such as copper, silver, gold, zinc, cadmium, mercury, scandium,yttrium, lanthanum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, vanadium, niobium,tantalum, chromium, molybdenum, tungsten, manganese, technetium,rhenium, iron, ruthenium, osmium, cobalt, rhodium, iridium, nickel,palladium, and platinum. Copper, nickel, cobalt, iron, and zincphthalocyanines are preferred, with copper phthalocyanines beingparticularly preferred.

Suitable substituted phthalocyanines include phthalocyanines substitutedfrom 1 to 4 times on each isoindole group independently. Examples ofsuitable substituents for the isoindole groups of phthalocyaninesinclude but are not limited to halogen, unsubstituted or substitutedlower alkyl, lower alkoxy, alkylamino, alkylthio, ammonium, sulfonato,sulfonato alkyl, sulfate, phosphate, phosphonate, and carboxylate. Theionic or ionizable substituents can have as counterions the alkalimetals, preferably lithium, sodium, or potassium, the alkaline earthmetals, preferably beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, or barium,or various ammonium ions. By the terms lower alkyl and lower alkoxy aregenerally meant alkyl groups of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and alkoxygroups of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms. Particular preferred substitutedphthalocyanines are copper phthalocyanines that are multiply substitutedwith chlorine atoms.

Suitable phthalocyanines are commercially available and include but arenot limited to Pigment Blue 16, Vat Blue 29, Pigment Blue 15, HeliogenGreen GG, Ingrain Blue 14, Ingrain Blue 5, Ingrain Blue 1, Pigment Green37, and Pigment Green 7. In one preferred embodiment, the phthalocyanineis Pigment Blue 15, which is the unsubstituted copper phthalocyaninealso known as phthalocyanine blue. In another preferred embodiment, thephthalocyanine is Pigment Green 7, which is a polychlorinated copperphthalocyanine.

The compositions used according to the invention do not includeeffective amounts of phosphorous acid, monoalkyl esters of phosphorousacid, or salts thereof. Examples of such compounds to be excluded orsubstantially excluded are (i) compounds of the formula [HP(OR)O₂)⁻]_(n)M^(n+) in which R is C₂-C₄ alkyl, M is an alkali metal, alkaline earth,or aluminum atom, and n is an integer of from 1 to 3 equal to thevalence of M, or (ii) phosphorous acid or alkaline earth metal saltsthereof.

Other compounds are also preferably excluded or substantially excludedfrom the present invention. For example, in one preferred embodiment,the compositions and methods of the invention do not include effectiveamounts of (i) phosphorous acid, monoalkyl esters of phosphorous acid,or salts thereof and (ii) metallic ethylene bisdithiocarbamate contactfungicides, especially manganese ethylene bisdithiocarbamate ormanganese-zinc ethylene bisdithiocarbamate. In a second preferredembodiment, the compositions and methods of the invention do not includeeffective amounts of (i) phosphorous acid, monoalkyl esters ofphosphorous acid, or salts thereof, (ii) the metallic ethylenebisdithiocarbamate contact fungicides mentioned above, and (iii) one ormore other fungicides, particularly those selected from the groupconsisting of basic salts or hydroxides of copper (e.g., the oxychlorideor oxysulfate), (tetrahydro)phthalimides (e.g., captan, captafol, orfolpel), methyl (butylcarbamoyl)-2-benzimidazolecarbamate (benomyl),thiophanates such as dimethyl(1,2-phenylene)bis(iminocarbonothioyl)bis(carbamate)(thiophanate-methyl), tetrachloroisophthalonitrile (chlorothalonil),3-(3,5-dichlorophenyl)-N-(l-methylethyl)-2,4-dioxo-l-imidazolidinecarboxamide(iprodione), 1-[2-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)4-propyl-1,3-dioxolan-2-ylmethyl-lH-1,2,4-triazole (propiconazole),1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-3,3-dimethyl-l(lH-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-2-butanone(triadimafon), 2-hydroxy-1,3,2-dioxaphospholanes, and β-hydroxyethylphosphites. In a third preferred embodiment, the compositions of theinvention do not include effective amounts of the components (i) and(iii) mentioned above.

The compositions used according to the invention preferably consistessentially of an effective amount of a phthalocyanine (preferablyPigment Blue 15 and more preferably Pigment Green 7) and more preferablyconsist of an effective amount of a phthalocyanine (preferably PigmentBlue 15 and more preferably Pigment Green 7), at least one dispersant,at least one carrier, and, optionally, water. The compositions may inone embodiment contain the phthalocyanine and water with no carrier. Thecompositions of the invention may consist essentially of aphthalocyanine compound and water. The compositions may also consist ofa phthalocyanine compound and water.

The compositions according to the instant invention generally containfrom about 0.5 to about 95% of phthalocyanine by weight, preferably from1% to 50%, more preferably from 2% to 35%. The remainder of thecomposition up to 100% comprises a carrier as well as various optionaladditives such as those hereafter indicated.

By “carrier” there is meant herein an organic or inorganic material,which can be natural or synthetic and which is associated with thephthalocyanine and facilitates its application to the locus to betreated. This carrier is thus generally inert and should beagriculturally acceptable, especially on the contemplated or treatedgrass. The carrier can be solid (e.g., clay, silicates, silica, resins,wax, fertilizers, or the like) or liquid (e.g., water, alcohols,ketones, oil solvents, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbons,chlorinated hydrocarbons, liquefied petroleum gas, or the like).

Among the many optional additives suitable for use in compositions ofthe invention include surfactants and other ingredients, such asdispersants, stickers, antifoam agents, antifreezing agents, dyestuffs,thickeners, adhesives, protective colloids, penetrating agents,stabilizing agents, sequestering agents, antiflocculating agents,corrosion inhibitors, pigments (other than those contemplated as anactive ingredient for purposes of the invention), and polymers.

More generally, the compositions of the invention can include all kindsof solid or liquid additives which are known in the art of cropprotection and horticultural pest control treatments.

The surfactants can be of the emulsifying or wetting type and can beionic or non-ionic. Possible surfactants are salts of polyacrylic orlignosulfonic acids; salts of phenolsulfonic or naphthalenesulfonicacids; polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or fattyacids or fatty amines or substituted phenols (particularly alkylphenolsor arylphenols); ester-salts of sulfosuccinic acids; taurinederivatives, such as alkyl taurates; phosphoric esters; or esters ofalcohols or polyoxyethylated phenols. When the spraying vehicle iswater, the use of at least one surfactant is generally required becausethe active ingredients are not water-soluble.

Dusting powders, granulates, solution, emulsifiable concentrates,emulsions, suspended concentrates and aerosols are also contemplatedwithin the invention. The wettable powders according to the inventioncan be prepared in such a way that they contain from 1% to 95% by weightof the active material, and they normally contain, in addition to asolid support, from 0 to 5% by weight of a wetting agent, from 3 to 10%by weight of a dispersant, and, when necessary, from 0 to 10% by weightof one or more stabilizers and/or other additives, such as penetrationagents, adhesives or anti-clumping agents, or colorants. Thecompositions according to the invention can contain other ingredients,for example protective colloids, adhesives or thickeners, thixotropicagents, stabilizers or sequestrants, as well as other active materialsknown to have pesticidal properties, especially certain fungicides,acaricides, and insecticides.

The present invention can be practiced on all grasses, including thoseused for lawns or other ornamental purposes, such as turfgrass, andthose used as food or to produce grain for human or animal consumption.Some grasses, such as rye grasses, can be used both for food and foresthetic purposes. It is particularly preferred to practice theinvention on turfgrasses, which are typically characterized as coolseason turfgrasses and warm season turfgrasses. Examples of cool seasonturfgrasses are bluegrasses (Poa spp.), such as Kentucky bluegrass (Poapratensis L.), rough bluegrass (Poa trivialis L.), Canada bluegrass (Poacompressa L.), annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.), upland bluegrass (Poaglaucantha Gaudin), wood bluegrass (Poa nemoralis L.), and bulbousbluegrass (Poa bulbosa L.); the bentgrasses and redtop (Agrostis spp.),such as creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris Huds.), colonialbentgrass (Agrostis tenuis Sibth.), velvet bentgrass (Agrostis caninaL.), South German Mixed Bentgrass (Agrostis spp. including Agrostistenius Sibth., Agrostis canina L., and Agrostis palustris Huds.), andredtop (Agrostis alba L.); the fescues (Festucu spp.), such as redfescue (Festuca rubra L. spp. rubra), creeping fescue (Festuca rubraL.), chewings fescue (Festuca rubra commutata Gaud.), sheep fescue(Festuca ovina L.), hard fescue (Festuca longifolia Thuill.), hairfescue (Festucu capillata Lam.), tall fescue (Festuca arundinaceaSchreb.), meadow fescue (Festuca elanor L.); the ryegrasses (Loliumspp.), such as annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), perennialryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorumLam.); and the wheatgrasses (Agropyron spp.), such as fairway wheatgrass(Agropyron cristatum (L.) Gaertn.), crested wheatgrass (Agropyrondesertorum (Fisch.) Schult.), and western wheatgrass (Agropyron smithiiRydb.). Other cool season turfgrasses include beachgrass (Ammophilabreviligulata Fern.), smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.),cattails such as Timothy (Phleum pratense L.), sand cattail (Phleumsubulatum L.), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.), weeping alkaligrass(Puccinellia distans (L.) Parl.) and crested dog's-tail (Cynosuruscristatus L.). Examples of warm season turfgrasses include Bermudagrass(Cynodon spp. L. C. Rich), zoysiagrass (Zoysia spp. Willd.), St.Augustine grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum Walt Kuntze), centipedegrass(Eremochloa ophiuroides Munro Hack.), carpetgrass (Axonopus affinisChase), Bahia grass (Paspalum notatum Flugge), Kikuyugrass (Pennisetumclandestinum Hochst. ex Chiov.), buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloids(Nutt.) Engelm.), Blue gramma (Bouteloua gracilis (H.B.K.) Lag. exGriffiths), seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) and sideoatsgrama (Bouteloua curtipendula (Michx. Torr.). Cool season turfgrassesare generally preferred for treatment according to the invention. Morepreferred is bluegrass, bentgrass and redtop, fescue, and ryegrass.Bentgrass is most preferred. Examples of grasses that are useful ascrops include corn or maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum sudanense),switchgrass (Panicum virgatum), millet (Panicum miliaceum), rice (Oryzaspp.), wheat (Triticum spp.), oats (Avena spp.), barley (Hordeum spp.),and rye (Secale cereale).

In general the rate of application at the locus is from 0.001 to 10kilograms of phthalocyanine per hectare (kg/ha), preferably from about0.01 to about 2 kg/ha, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 1 kg/ha,most preferably from about 0.2 to about 0.8 kg/ha. The compositions ofthe invention are applied by known methods.

The following examples further illustrate details for the method andcompositions of this invention. The invention, which is set forth in theforegoing disclosure, is not to be limited either in spirit or scope bythese examples. Those skilled in the art will readily understand thatknown variations of the conditions of the following procedures can beused.

EXAMPLES Example 1

The following test methods were used to compare the effectiveness of aphthalocyanine composition according to the invention with knowncompositions. The following compositions were used in the experiments:Pigment Green 7 obtained from Sun Chemical Corporation as thewater-dispersible product SUN T-64-1660 (containing 45 to 55 wt. % ofPigment Green 7) was used alone. A mixture of Pigment Green 7 andfosetyl-al was used as the commercially available product Chipco®Signature™ fungicide from Bayer Environmental Science, Montvale, N.J.The compound fosetyl-al was used as Chipco® Aliette® WDG fungicideavailable from Bayer Environmental Science, Montvale N.J.

Seeds of “Penncross” creeping bentgrass were sown in polyvinyl chloride(PVC) tubes (10 cm in diameter and 20 cm in length) filled with coarsesand. Plants were kept in a growth chamber for 90 days before treatmentstated to allow root and canopy establishment. The daily temperature inthe growth chamber was 20/16° C., the photosynthetic photon flux densitywas 400 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹, and the photoperiod was 12 hours/day. Turf wasmowed twice weekly at 4 mm with scissors, irrigated every other dayuntil there was free drainage from the bottom of tubes, and fertilizedweekly with 40 ml full-strength Hoagland's nutrient solution (Hoaglandand Arnon, 1950). Insecticide was applied to kill whitefly whennecessary.

Two treatments were conducted in the experiment. A high temperaturetreatment was maintained at 35/30° C. (day/night temperatures) and anoptimum temperature treatment of 20/16° C. was used as temperaturecontrol. Signature fungicide and Aliette fungicide were each applied tothe foliage in each treatment biweekly at the rate of 4 oz./1000 sq. ft.(ca. 1.3 mLm²) for Signature fungicide and Aliette fungicide; andPigment Green 7 was applied as an aqueous dispersion sprayed on thefoliage in each treatment biweekly at the rate of 6.92 g/1000 sq. ft.(ca. 0.74 kg/ha), in order to roughly approximate the amount ofphthalocyanine being applied in each plot. Water alone was used as anon-fungicide control. (Treatments were applied only to plants at hightemperature and not to control plants.) When treatments started, half ofplants were sprayed 4 weeks before the high temperature treatment (i.e.,as a pretreatment) and half of plants were sprayed at the same time ofhigh soil temperature started (i.e., no pretreatment). Each treatmenthad 5 replications.

Measurements were made at 1 week after treatments were applied. Turfquality was visually rated at the scale from 0 to 9 according to thedensity, greenness, and uniformity of the grass, with 0 being the worstand 9 being the best.

Canopy net photosynthetic rate was measured as described below using aLi-6400 portable photosynthesis system (available from LiCor, Lincoln,Neb.).

For determination of the biomass, samples of shoots and roots at the endof each experiment were cleaned and dried at 80° C. in an oven for 72hours. The dry weight of shoots and roots were used to indicate biomassof shoots and roots.

Chlorophyll and carotenoids were extracted by soaking 50 mg fresh shootsin 20 ml dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) in the dark for 72 hours. Absorbanceof each extractant at 663 nm, 645 nm, and 470 nm was used to determinechlorophyll content using the formula of Arnon (1949) and carotenoidscontent using the formula of Lichtenthaler and Wellburn (1983) Canopyphotochemical efficiency was estimated by measuring chlorophyllfluorescence (Fv/Fm) using plant photosynthesis efficiency analyzer(available from ADC Bioscientific Limited, Herts, England).

Root mortality was measured using the method of Knievel (1973) withmodification. Samples of 0.5 g clean fresh roots were incubated with 10mL 0.6% 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (in 0.05 M phosphate buffer,pH 7.4) for 24 hours in the dark at 30° C. Roots were then rinsed twicewith deionized water. Formazan was extracted from roots twice with 95%ethanol at 70° C. for 4 hours. The combined extractant from the twoextractions was adjusted to a final volume of 20 mL with 95% ethanol.Absorbance at 490 nm was used to determine root mortality.

Test Results

A. Turf Quality

FIG. 1 illustrates the effect of fungicide application on Penncrosscreeping bentgrass turf quality at high temperature treatment. Data areshown as mean±sd. Arrow indicates the date of first fungicideapplication.

The quality of plants at the control temperature was maintained at highlevel during the entire experimental period (FIG. 1). Heat stressreduced turf quality beginning 2 weeks after high temperature. For theplants with pretreatment (FIG. 1), turf quality was highest at theapplication of Pigment Green 7, followed by application of Signaturefungicide and Aliette fungicide, water application showing the lowestturf quality. For the plants without pretreatment (FIG. 1B), applicationof Pigment Green 7 showed higher turf quality than applications ofSignature fungicide, Aliette fungicide, and water. Plants withpretreatment showed higher turf quality than those plants withoutpretreatment (cf. FIGS. 1A and 1B).

B. Net Photosynthetic Rate (Pn)

FIG. 2 illustrates the effect of fungicide application on the netphotosynthetic rate (Pn) of Penncross creeping bentgrass at hightemperature treatment. Data are shown as mean±sd. The arrow indicatesthe date of first fungicide application.

High temperature decreased canopy Pn beginning 4 weeks after heat stress(FIGS. 2A and 2B). For the plants with fungicide pretreatment, Pn washigher with application of Pigment Green 7 and Signature fungicide thanwith application of Aliette fungicide and water (FIG. 2A). For theplants without pretreatment, Pn was highest at phthalocyanineapplication, lowest at water application, and intermediate withapplication of Signature fungicide and Aliette fungicide (FIG. 2B). Pnwas higher for plants with pretreatment than for those withoutpretreatment (FIGS. 2A and 2B).

C. Chlorophyll content

FIG. 3 illustrates the effect of fungicide application on thechlorophyll content of Penncross creeping bentgrass at high temperaturetreatment. Data are shown as mean±sd. The arrow indicates the date offirst fungicide application.

Chlorophyll content in the fresh weight basis increased at hightemperature treatment (FIGS. 3 A and B). For plants with pretreatment,chlorophyll content was highest with application of Signature fungicideand Pigment Green 7, lowest at water application, and intermediate withapplication of Aliette fungicide (FIG. 3A). For plants without fungicidepretreatment, chlorophyll content was higher with application ofSignature fungicide and Pigment Green 7 than with application of Aliettefungicide (FIG. 3B). Chlorophyll content was higher for plants withpretreatment than for those without pretreatment (FIGS. 3A and 3B).

D. Photochemical Efficiency (Fv/Fm Ratio)

FIG. 4 illustrates the effect of fungicide application on thechlorophyll photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) of Penncross creepingbentgrass at high temperature treatment. Data are shown as mean±sd. Thearrow indicates the date of first fungicide application.

Photochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) declined beginning 1 week after hightemperature treatment (FIGS. 4A and 4B). For the plants with and withoutfungicide pretreatment, Fv/Fm was highest at application of PigmentGreen 7, followed by application of Signature fungicide, Aliettefungicide, and water. Fv/Fm was higher for the plants with pretreatmentthan for those without pretreatment.

E. Carotenoids Content

FIG. 5 illustrates the effect of fungicide application on thecarotenoids content of Penncross creeping bentgrass at high temperaturetreatment. Data are shown as mean±sd. The arrow indicates the date offirst fungicide application.

Carotenoids content increased in high temperature treatment (FIGS. 5Aand 5B). For the plants with or without pretreatment, carotenoidscontent was higher with application of Signature fungicide and PigmentGreen 7 than with application of Aliette fungicide and water (FIG. 5A).Carotenoids content was higher in plants with pretreatment than forthose without pretreatment (FIGS. 5A and 5B).

F. Shoot Growth Rate in Canopy Height

FIG. 6 illustrates the effect of fungicide application on shoot growthrate in height of Penncross creeping bentgrass at high temperaturetreatment. Data are shown as mean±sd. The arrow indicates the date offirst fungicide application.

Shoot growth rate in canopy height increased in 2 weeks of hightemperature treatment and then declined beginning 4 weeks after hightemperature treatment in plants with and without pretreatment (FIGS. 6Aand 6B). Shoot growth rate was higher with application of Signaturefungicide and Pigment Green 7 than with application of Aliette fungicideand water for plants with and without pretreatment (FIGS. 6A and 6B).Growth rate was higher in plants with fungicide pretreatment than forthose without pretreatment (FIGS. 6A and 6B).

G. Final Root and Canopy Biomass

FIG. 7 illustrates the effect of fungicide application on root andcanopy shoot biomass of Penncross creeping bentgrass at high temperaturetreatment. Data are shown as mean±sd.

High temperature treatment decreased both roots and canopy biomass (FIG.7). Application of fungicide relieved the decline of roots and canopybiomass induced by heat stress (FIG. 7). Both roots and canopy biomasswere higher with application of Signature fungicide and Pigment Green 7than with application of Aliette fungicide and water for plants with andwithout fungicide pretreatment (FIGS. 7A and 7B). Plants with fungicidepretreatment had higher roots and canopy biomass than for those withoutpretreatment (FIGS. 7A and 7B).

H. Root Mortality

FIG. 8 illustrates the effect of fungicide application on root mortalityof Penncross creeping bentgrass at high temperature treatment. Data areshown as mean±sd.

Root mortality was increased by high temperature treatment (FIG. 8).Fungicide application reduced the increase of root mortality.Application of Pigment Green 7 produced lower root mortality thanapplication of Signature fungicide and Aliette fungicide for plants withor without pretreatment (FIG. 8). Root mortality was lower for plantswith pretreatment than for those without pretreatment (FIGS. 8A and 8B).

I. Tiller Density

FIG. 9 illustrates the effect of fungicide application on tiller densityof Penncross creeping bentgrass at high temperature treatment. Data areshown as mean±sd.

High temperature decreased tiller density. Applications of Signaturefungicide and Aliette fungicide inhibited the decrease of tiller densityinduced by heat stress. There was no significant difference amongapplications of Signature fungicide, Aliette fungicide, and PigmentGreen 7 (FIG. 9).

Example 2

Pigment Green 7 was suspended in water and applied as a foliar spray tocreeping bentgrass (variety Penncross) turf with a pressurized sprayerat a spray volume of 1.37 gallons of water per 1000 sq. ft. (ca. 560l/ha). Pigment Green 7 was applied at rates of 6.8, 13.9, and 20.4 gramsper 1000 sq. ft. (0.73, 1.5, and 2.2 kg/ha, respectively). Eachtreatment was replicated 4 times. An untreated plot was included and wasalso replicated four times. The average color of the bentgrass wasvisually evaluated at 6 weeks after treatment. Color was evaluated on aqualitative scale from 1-9, with 9 being the highest quality and 1 thelowest quality. The color ratings with Pigment Green 7 treatments weresignificantly different than the untreated check based on analysis ofvariance. FIG. 10 shows the results of the trial.

Example 3

Fosetyl-al (in the form of Aliette brand fungicide), fosetyl-al plusPigment Green 7 (in the form of Signature brand Aliette fungicide), andPigment Green 7 were separately suspended in water and applied as afoliar spray to creeping bentgrass (variety Penncross) turf with apressurized sprayer at a spray volume of 1.37 gallons of water per 1000sq. ft. (ca. 560 l/ha).

Treatments were applied at the following rates:

Aliette 4 oz/1000 sq. ft. (ca. 1.3 mLm²)

Signature 4 oz/1000 sq. ft. (ca. 1.3 mLm²)

Signature 8 oz/1000 sq. ft. (ca. 2.5 mLm²)

Pigment 6.8 g/1000 sq. ft. (0.73 kg/ha)

Pigment 13.6 g/1000 sq. ft. (1.5 kg/ha)

At 6 weeks after treatment, the color ratings were presented below. Thecolor rating with Aliette and the untreated check were not significantlydifferent. Pigment Green 7 and Signature treatments were significantlydifferent than the untreated check based on analysis of variance. FIG.11 shows the results.

Example 4

The procedure of Example 2 was repeated using iprodione fungicide (inthe form of 26 GT brand iprodione fungicide) at 4 oz/1000 sq. ft. (ca.1.3 mLm²), iprodione at 4 oz/1000 sq. ft. (ca. 1.3 mLm²) plus PigmentGreen 7 at 6.8 g/1000 sq. ft. (0.73 kg/ha), iprodione at 4 oz/1000 sq.ft. plus Pigment Green 7 at 13.6 g/1000 sq. ft. (1.5 kg/ha), and PigmentGreen 7 at 13.6 g/1000 sq. ft. (1.5 kg/ha). At 6 weeks after treatment,the color ratings were as follows. Turf treated with iprodione alone wasnot significantly different than the untreated check. Turf plots treatedwith iprodione plus Pigment Green 7 at both rates and Pigment Green 7alone were significantly greener than the untreated. FIG. 12 shows theresults.

Example 5

Example 1 is repeated except for using Pigment Blue 15 in eachcomposition instead of Pigment Green 7.

Example 6

Example 2 is repeated except for using Pigment Blue 15 instead ofPigment Green 7.

Example 7

Example 3 is repeated except for using Pigment Blue 15 in eachcomposition instead of Pigment Green 7.

Example 8

Example 4 is repeated except for using Pigment Blue 15 instead ofPigment Green 7.

Example 9

Studies carried out as a follow-up to Example 1 were conducted in 2005to determine the influence of foliar applied phthalocyanine pigment oncreeping bentgrass photosynthesis. “Penncross” creeping bentgrass plantswere grown in a growth chamber on a sand soil in PVC tubes (10 cm indiameter) maintained at 20° C. Plants were maintained at a canopy heightof approximately 5 cm and a nutrient solution was applied weekly tomaintain adequate fertility. Four plants were treated with Pigment Green7 at a rate of 6.92 g/1000 sq. ft. (0.74 kg/ha) (with 0.6% Tween 20being added to keep the pigment on the leaves for better absorption) andfour plants were left untreated to serve as the controls (being sprayedwith water only). Photochemical efficiency, chlorophyll content, andsingle leaf net photosynthesis were measured at one, three, seven, andfourteen days after application. Different light intensities of 1500,750, 500, 250, 150, 50, and 0 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ of photosynthetically activeradiation (PAR, 400-700 nm) were generated inside the leaf chamber by anLED light source to generate a light response curve. Net photosynthesiswas measured as the rate of CO₂ uptake (μmol m⁻²s⁻¹). No differences inphotochemical efficiency (Fv/Fm) between treated and control plants wereobserved, and no statistically significant differences in totalchlorophyll per gram of tissue between treated and control plants wereobserved. At all light intensities greater than 50 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹photosynthesis was higher for treated plants compared to controls.Photosynthesis was higher from the first day after application and allsubsequent sampling dates. The light compensation point was unaltered bytreatment. However at intensities of from 50 to 1500 μmol photons m⁻²s⁻¹ treated plants were more efficient in utilizing the constant amountof light produced in the leaf chamber. The higher net photosynthesis fortreated plants on every date measured demonstrate that thephthalocyanine was stable for at least fourteen days after foliarapplication.

Example 10

A glasshouse study was conducted to determine the effect of soil drenchapplications of phthalocyanine pigment on corn growth andphotosynthesis.

Corn was grown from seed in 6 inch (15 cm) pots in a potting soil mix.Pigment Green 7 was diluted in water in the four amounts per gallon (3.8liter) of water indicated in the Table and applied directly to the soil.Treatments were initiated in March when corn was at the three leafstage. Approximately 250 ml of the aqueous pigment mixture was appliedto the soil on day 0 and day 6. On day 21 plants were placed in trayscontaining the pigment. Water was maintained in the trays as needed toreplenished evapotranspiration.

Net photosynthesis of the youngest fully collared leaf (i.e., leaf 7)was measured using a LiCor 6400 instrument as μmol m⁻²s⁻¹ of CO₂. Leafchlorophyll measurements were made using a CM1000 leaf photosynthesismeter (Spectrum Technologies). Plant height, stem diameter, and leafwidth were also measured at the end of the conclusion of the study.Results are shown in the following Table. TABLE Distance Net photo-Pigment Height soil between Stem synthesis⁸ concentration Total height²to collar³ collars⁴ Leaf width⁵ diameter⁶ (μmol m⁻²s⁻¹ (g/gal)¹ (avg,cm) (avg, cm) (avg, cm) (avg, cm) (avg, cm) Chlorophyl⁷ of CO₂)Untreated 132 52 6.2 5.8 0.93 144 12.5  1 145 58 4.9 5.2 1.04 141 13.0 8 148 59 5.5 5.6 0.99 122 12.8 16 137 55 5.7 5.2 1.01 115 13.6 32 13254 6.0 5.6 1.00 132 13.3¹Grams of pigment per gallon (3.8 liters) of water²Measured from soil to youngest fully expanded leaf tip³Measured from soil to collar of youngest fully expanded leaf tip⁴Distance between two top collars⁵Leaf width at widest part of the first fully expanded leaf⁶Diameter measured on the wide area of the stem directly under youngestfully expanded leaf⁷Three chlorophyll readings around center of youngest fully expandedleaf (3 plants per pot)⁸Measured on youngest fully collared lea

1. A method of improving grass quality comprising applying an effectiveamount of a composition containing a phthalocyanine to a grass, with theprovisos that (i) the composition does not include an effective amountof phosphorous acid or a salt thereof or of a monoalkyl ester ofphosphorous acid or a salt thereof, and (ii) 0.001 to 10 kg per hectareof the phthalocyanine is applied.
 2. A method according to claim 1wherein the phthalocyanine is a copper phthalocyanine.
 3. A methodaccording to claim 1 wherein about 0.01 to about 2 kg per hectare of thephthalocyanine is applied.
 4. A method according to claim 1 comprisingapplying an effective amount of a composition containing a copperphthalocyanine to the grass, with the provisos that (i) the compositiondoes not include an effective amount of phosphorous acid or a saltthereof or a monoalkyl ester of phosphorous acid or a salt thereof, (ii)the composition does not include an effective amount of metallicethylene bisdithiocarbamate contact fungicides, and (iii) about 0.01 toabout 2 kg per hectare of the copper phthalocyanine is applied.
 5. Amethod according to claim 1 comprising applying an effective amount of acomposition containing a copper phthalocyanine to the grass with theprovisos that (i) the composition does not include an effective amountof phosphorous acid or a salt thereof or a monoalkyl ester ofphosphorous acid or a salt thereof, (ii) the composition does notinclude an effective amount of metallic ethylene bisdithiocarbamatecontact fungicides, (iii) the composition does not include an effectiveamount of other fungicides, and (iv) about 0.01 to about 2 kg perhectare of the copper phthalocyanine is applied.
 6. A method accordingto claim 1 comprising applying an effective amount of a compositioncontaining a copper phthalocyanine to the grass with the provisos that(i) the composition does not include an effective amount of phosphorousacid or a salt thereof or a monoalkyl ester of phosphorous acid or asalt thereof, (ii) the composition does not include an effective amountof other fungicides, and (iii) about 0.01 to about 2 kg per hectare ofthe copper phthalocyanine is applied.
 7. A method of improving grassquality comprising applying to a grass an effective amount of acomposition consisting essentially of a copper phthalocyanine at a ratesuch that about 0.01 to about 2 kg per hectare of the copperphthalocyanine is applied.
 8. A method of improving grass qualitycomprising applying to a grass an effective amount of a compositionconsisting of a copper phthalocyanine, at least one dispersant, and atleast one carrier at a rate such that about 0.01 to about 2 kg perhectare of the copper phthalocyanine is applied.
 9. A method ofimproving grass quality comprising applying an effective amount of acomposition consisting of a copper phthalocyanine and water to a grassat a rate such that about 0.01 to about 2 kg per hectare of the copperphthalocyanine is applied.
 10. A composition for improving grassconsisting essentially of an effective grass-improving amount of aphthalocyanine, at least one dispersant acceptable for use with grass,at least one carrier acceptable for use with grass, and optionallywater.
 11. A composition according to claim 10 wherein thephthalocyanine is Pigment Blue 15 or Pigment Green
 7. 12. A compositionfor improving turfgrass consisting of an effective grass-improvingamount of a copper phthalocyanine, at least one dispersant acceptablefor use with grass, at least one carrier acceptable for use with grass,and optionally water.
 13. A composition according to claim 12 whereinthe phthalocyanine is Pigment Blue 15 or Pigment Green
 7. 14. Acomposition for improving grass consisting of an effectivegrass-improving amount of a copper phthalocyanine and water.
 15. Awettable powder composition for improving grass comprising from 1% to95% by weight of a phthalocyanine on a solid support, from 0 to 5% byweight of a wetting agent, from 3 to 10% by weight of a dispersant, andoptionally from 0 to 10% by weight of one or more stabilizers and/oradditives.
 16. A wettable powder composition according to claim 15wherein the phthalocyanine is a copper phthalocyanine.
 17. A wettablepowder composition according to claim 15 additionally comprising one ormore fungicides, acaricides, and/or insecticides.